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The term podcasting derives its name from Apple's iPod, but to create a podcast or even
to listen to one, you don't need to own an iPod, or any portable music player for that matter.
In a nutshell, Podcasting is a new type of online media delivery. You publish selected audio
files via the internet and allow your users to subscribe via an RSS feed to automatically receive new files.
Podcasting lets you create your own syndicated online talkshow or radio program, with content of your choosing.

In this article

Make Your Own Podcast

Podcasting gives me the feeling that I have
the keys to NPR; that I can interview anyone
I want and then deliver it over the internet
to anyone who wants to listen in.
Podcasting involves producing your
own audio files (usually in MP3, Ogg, or
WMA formats) and then publishing them
online somewhere, indexed for subscription
and reception by an RSS (Really Simple
Syndication) reader. They're then downloaded
to subscribers' iPods, cellphones,
iTunes directories, or other locations to listen
to whenever they want. As you'll see,
anyone can do this, using all free tools.
The podcasting genre particularly
shines for interviews. I've interviewed
makers from around the world via Skype or
iChat (plus in person) and made them available
as podcasts. Check out MAKE: Audio
on makezine.com for lots of examples.

Setup

Software

Conveniently enough, all the applications and utilities I use to
create podcasts are free. Here’s what they are and where you
can download them.